A rare Rolls-Royce Corniche convertible owned by Yorkshire hero, the late Sir Jimmy Savile OBE KCSG, has returned home to JCT600 Leodis Court on Gelderd Road in Leeds where it is being displayed ahead of a charity auction of Sir Jimmy’s personal effects to be held at Saviles Hall on 30 July.
The ‘Last of Line’ limited edition was number 46 in a run of just 56 cars worldwide which marked the end of 56 years of production of both Rolls-Royce and Bentley motor cars being built together at the factory in Crewe before Rolls-Royce production moved to Goodwood in 2002. A related commemorative plaque is mounted on the centre console.
The 2002 Rolls-Royce Corniche convertible was commissioned by a customer of JCT600 Leodis Court in 2002 and the dealership subsequently re-bought the car when its original owner moved abroad. JCT600 then sold it to Sir Jimmy in 2007.
The car is dark silver called ‘silver ghost’ after the most famous Rolls-Royce ever made. The interior leather is finished in cream (Cotswold) with French navy piping to the seats and it has a blue mohair hood. It comes complete with Sir Jimmy’s signature on all of his Rolls Royces, a gold plated (rather than the usual silver) ‘spirit of ecstasy’ flying lady symbol on the front of the bonnet. The car also features his personalised number plate, JS 247 – 247 metres medium wave being the frequency on which Radio 1 was broadcast from 1967 to 1978. With less than 4,500 miles on the clock, the car has a guide price of £60,000 to £90,000.
Roger Perkins, sales executive at JCT600 Leodis Court who sold the Rolls-Royce to Sir Jimmy five years ago said:
We’ve had a long history of looking after Sir Jimmy and it seems fitting that one of his cherished Rolls-Royces has returned here where local people can come and view this beautiful car.
As a flamboyant show business personality, Sir Jimmy is known for his love of stylish cars and we hope that this rare vehicle with its colourful history will make a significant contribution to the funds raised for his charitable trust when it goes under the hammer. This is a really special car, not only because of its famous owner, but also because it is one of the last of the Crewe-made Rolls-Royces – we may even be tempted to put in a bid ourselves!
The auction is being held by Dreweatts. It comprises a collection of 550 lots amassed by Sir Jimmy over his extraordinary 85 year life, from cigars to male jewellery.
